SPFL TO PROBE PARS CALL-OFF OVER COVID OUTBREAK

THE SPFL will launch an investigation into ‘the circumstances leading to the postponement’ of Dunfermline’s Fife derby clash with Raith Rovers after a Covid outbreak left the Pars unable to field a team tomorrow night. Dunfermline registered a positive test in the aftermath of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Queen of the South, resulting in several days of talks with the Scottish FA, the Elite Sport Clinical Advisory Group and Test and Protect. It was ascertained that a number of players would be required to self-isolate as a consequence — and the East End Park outfit informed the SPFL that they could not fulfil the televised showdown. Dunfermline are due to host Dundee on Tuesday evening and remain in dialogue with the SPFL regarding their upcoming matches, while the governing body emphasised that the probe into how the situation occurred is standard procedure. An SPFL spokesperson stated: ‘Due to the number of players now self-isolating, (Dunfermline) have insufficient players to fulfil the fixture. ‘As a result, and in line with standard procedure, the SPFL has postponed the fixture pending an investigation into the circumstances leading to the postponement. The SPFL will continue to liaise with Dunfermline Athletic in the coming days.’ Dunfermline cancelled their scheduled press conference yesterday and the East End Park club did not comment on the situation when contacted as they sought to respect the privacy of those affected. A club statement read: ‘Dunfermline Athletic can confirm that following last Saturday’s match our club has unfortunately suffered a transmission of Covid into our football bubble. ‘Since the weekend we have cooperated fully with the respective authorities to determine fully the extent of the transmission and the individuals who are deemed to be affected. ‘As a consequence, we are sadly not in a position to fulfil our fixture against Raith Rovers.’ Dunfermline and Raith, the closest challengers to Championship leaders Hearts, are currently locked together on 27 points, albeit the Kirkcaldy club have a game in hand. Dundee and Queen of the South will now catch the pair if they win their respective fixtures against Hearts and Arbroath this weekend, in an increasingly congested race for the play-off places.